So, I want to do some martial arts, for self defense. Ideally one that will be useful without giving me CTE, or any long term bad stuff, even though I feel this is already asking for too much 
I don't live in the U๐๐ so gun related stuff isn't really an option.
I'm somewhat heavy, with a year of experience in lifting, and my cardio is not the best, but I can do long walks (of 1 or 2 hours) before getting tired.
I'm going to move to a bigger city in September, and there's a lot of stuff available, so you can comment on the more niche options.
So yeah, any advice from your experiences is welcome lol
If I had known people started arguing over my post I wouldn't have made it.
work that cardio up to running. a fistfight is like sprinting as hard as you can for a few minutes unless one of you has a glass jaw.
learn some grappling and some takedown defense. BJJ is fine but you're not going to the mat on concrete because you'd fuck your own knees and everything.
what's your threat model that you think brawling will help, as opposed to removing yourself from the situation?
I don't have a specific situation in mind but it's probably better to have that tool and not need it than need it and not have it.
knowing how to move your body is good, but that doesn't extend to weapons.
once you've learned to fight competently, don't misapply your new skills to take risks you wouldn't have taken before. This is different from seeking out conflict, i mean like still don't walk down that dark alley if you don't have to, don't start hanging around bikies, etc.
You're absolutely right, thankfully I'm a peace lover irl lol
Ty for the advice